Mostar, situated in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a hidden gem in Europe that has gained popularity in recent years. Renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans, Mostar boasts a rich historical heritage and outstanding natural beauty.
This picturesque city is famous for its charming old town streets, imposing stone bridge, and beautiful location. It is a true Balkan city, with beautiful Ottoman buildings, mosques, stone houses perched on the hillsides, and charming narrow streets.
Mostar is divided into two parts by the Neretva River, with its fantastic bright blue waters. It is said to be inhabited mainly by Muslim Bosniaks on one side and Catholic Croats on the other.
The city takes its name from the 16th-century Stari Most bridge, built when Mostar was one of the most important trade routes to the growing Ottoman Empire.
Mostar is well worth spending a little time in if you’re in the area, it’s an ideal day trip destination from nearby cities, plus the surrounding area offers plenty of attractive sights. In Mostar, you will find interesting little old houses, narrow streets, and locally styled restaurants and shops that offer a fascinating Balkan experience. And the countryside hides breathtaking natural formations that are a must-see when you’re in the area.
Our article focuses on a day trip to Mostar, going through what you should know about traveling to Mostar, what to see and do in and around the city in a day, and sharing our own experiences and travel tips.
So we’ll show you what to see in and around Mostar in a day, how to plan a day trip to the area, and what can fit into a one-day itinerary in Mostar. Our promise is to help you make the most of your short visit to Mostar!
First, let’s look at the most frequently asked questions about a trip to Mostar.
Is Mostar worth visiting?
Mostar, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique cultural blend, is undoubtedly worth a visit. Our guide will highlight the city’s key attractions to help you make an informed decision.
Is Mostar safe to visit?
Yes, Mostar is a safe city. Occasionally, minor pickpocketing may occur, so always keep an eye on your valuables.
Best time to visit Mostar
As it’s a European sightseeing trip, we always recommend spring and autumn in such cases. The weather is at its best in the shoulder season. The best months are May, June and September.
In the summer months, you should be prepared for the heat and in the winter for the cold and lots of rain.
How many days are needed to visit Mostar?
Basically, to conveniently get around all the main attractions of the city, have time to sit in the best restaurants, see the best views, and even get out to the countryside, we would recommend 2–3 days.
However, the most common situation is that many tourists only consider Mostar as a day trip destination, so we’ve tried to fit as much as possible into our one-day itinerary.
Is one day in Mostar enough?
For a superficial city tour, yes, one day is sufficient. With a well-organized itinerary, you can see many things in just a day. True, there is little time to fully enjoy the places, the pace might be a bit fast, but the main attractions can fit into one day.
We recommend, for example, traveling in May or June because it stays light for a long time, allowing you to make the most of a long day in and around Mostar.
Where to stay in Mostar
If you would like to stay in Mostar for one or a few nights, we recommend some hotels to consider:
- Hotel Mepas: One of the few 5-star hotels in Mostar, in the north of the city, with extensive facilities at affordable prices
- Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija: A stylish four-star hotel in the old town, close to the main attractions
- HA Hotel Mostar: A four-star modern hotel located in the suburbs, ideal if you arrive by car
- Hotel Villa Milas: Three-star hotel at a very good price, not in the old town but within walking distance
How to get to Mostar
As the Croatian coast, including Split and Dubrovnik, is only a few hours away from Mostar, many people take a day trip to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most popular destination.
In addition, visitors from the capital Sarajevo often come to Mostar for a day trip.
Let’s see how to get from each city to Mostar:
From Dubrovnik to Mostar
The journey takes about 2.5 hours by car and 145 km (90 mi). There is also a slightly shorter route, but we recommend you take the Metković border crossing.
There is no highway on this route, the road is winding in many places, but of good quality.
Just note that if you are driving towards Komarna in Croatia, take a few minutes to stop at the new Pelješac Bridge, a genuine attraction in the area.
From Dubrovnik and Cavtat, there are also plenty of bus tours to Mostar, if you want to choose, we can recommend some of them:
From Split to Mostar
From Split, the journey takes 2 hours 15 minutes, about 170 km (105 mi). Except for the last section in Bosnia, you can drive all the way on the highway. After the border, there is a short stretch of highway (you have to pay a small fee at a gate), and after that you can drive to Mostar via Medjugorje or Čapljina.
If you would like to travel by bus from Split, we suggest you choose one of these:
From Sarajevo to Mostar
The journey from Sarajevo by car takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes, 125 km (78 mi). The first section after the capital is the A1 highway, for which you have to pay a few euros.
After that, you can reach Mostar on winding roads, with fantastic scenery along the way (as with all three routes). The road leads past Lake Jablanica, where it may be worth stopping for a few minutes.
There are also many bus trips from Sarajevo, which you can choose from here:
How to get around Mostar
We generally plan to travel by car, so if you arrive by car, you’ll have transport within the city. Getting around the city is not difficult.
The attractions of Mostar’s old town are all within walking distance of each other, so you only need to park in one place in the city center. This is most often possible on the street, but there are also some private garages.
The nearest parking spaces are located in Gojka Vukovića and Maršala Tita streets.
You can pay for on-street parking with cash (but only convertible mark – KM – accepted!) or a mobile app.
If you arrive by guided group bus tour, you don’t have to worry about parking either.
How to spend one day in Mostar
If you only have one day to visit Mostar and its surroundings, it’s essential to arrive with a well-organized, perhaps a bit stringent itinerary. Everything needs to be properly planned, and the pace can be a bit brisk.
We have created a one-day itinerary based on our own experiences to assist you in exploring the main sights in and around Mostar. We provide recommendations on approximately how much time to allocate to each stop and how to plan your day effectively.
It’s also crucial to prepare in advance for the weather. Conditions can vary, ranging from windy and rainy to very hot. Being ready for these possibilities is important.
So, let’s see what you can generally visit in and around Mostar in a day.
Best attractions to visit in Mostar and its surroundings
Stari Most
The Stari Most in Mostar connects the two banks of the Neretva River. It was built by the Ottomans in 1567 and stood in that form until the end of the 20th century, when it was destroyed by Croatian soldiers during the Serb-Bosnian war in 1993. It was rebuilt in 2004 as a result of international cooperation, and it has been a World Heritage Site since 2005.
Competitions are regularly held on the bridge, usually involving young men jumping into the Neretva. In this case, young men who are about to jump into the water collect money from tourists and, once the right amount of donations has been collected, jump into the water.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
The Mosque of Koski Mehmed Pasha, built in 1617, is one of the best preserved of its kind in the region. The oldest mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its special attraction is that you can also go up to the minaret, from where you can have a stunning view of the Neretva River and the Old Bridge.
Vidikovac Fortica
Vidikovac Fortica is a relatively new lookout point situated on the hillside overlooking the city of Mostar.
This observation structure features a metal framework, and its bottom is made of glass, providing a unique and thrilling perspective.
You can experience a marvelous panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Next to it, you’ll find an “I love Mostar” sign, and you also have the opportunity to sit down at the nearby restaurant to taste local dishes.
Additionally, not far away, you can explore the ruins of an Austro-Hungarian Fortress.
Access to Vidikovac Fortica is from the northeast side of the city, turning off the M17 road and traversing a mountainous road section.
The area around Mostar also has plenty to offer for tourists, so it’s well worth driving out to the countryside. The most important attractions are the following:
Buna Spring and Dervish House in Blagaj
Blagaj is home to the source of the Buna River and the huge rock on which the town’s symbol, the Blagaj Dervish House (locally known as Tekke), built in the 1500s, stands. Blagaj is located only 10 km from the town of Mostar, which can be reached not only by car, but also by one of the bus lines to the outskirts of Mostar. It is less visited than Mostar. The source of the short river is one of the most extensive karst springs in Europe.
Not only the surroundings, but the dervish monastery itself is also an interesting sight from the inside. The 500-year-old monastery offers visitors a truly special experience with its beautiful interiors, antique furniture and prayer rugs. Blagaj Monastery was founded in the 16th century in the Ottoman style and was inhabited by Dervishes until 1952.
Currently, the Dervish House is open to tourists by paying an entrance ticket. The outer part, the river bank and the spring can be visited free of charge. A big advantage is that, with few tourists, you can drive quite close to the main attractions. The riverbank is home to some wonderful restaurants, where you can stop for a while to taste the local cuisine.
Kravica Waterfall
If you’re in Bosnia and Herzegovina, don’t miss one of the region’s most beautiful natural attractions, the Kravica Waterfall.
The Kravica Waterfall is about 1 hour’s drive from Mostar, near the village of Studenci.
On the spot parking and entrance fees are charged at the dedicated ticket office.
From the parking lot, a short but steep walkway leads down to the waterfall.
In addition to the waterfall, there are many recreational opportunities: you can eat at local restaurants, swim in the water, have a picnic, go boating or just relax.
So these are the main attractions you should not miss. We have included them all in our one-day itinerary.
The perfect Mostar itinerary – 24 hours in Mostar and its surroundings
Now let’s see what a day trip to Mostar can look like, based on the information and attractions presented earlier, to maximize the time available.
Morning activities in Mostar
Visit Vidikovac Fortica
The first activity in Mostar should be a visit to Vidikovac Fortica. The reason is simple: the lookout tends to be quite crowded, especially on weekends. It’s better to visit in the morning, when you can enjoy the panoramic view of Mostar in a much calmer environment.
Time needed: Approximately 1-1.5 hours in total.
The travel time to and from the city center is around half an hour, and the duration of stay at the lookout is approximately half to one hour.
On the other side of the city, you’ll also find a lookout called Millennium Cross, but you won’t find an environment as well-developed as Vidikovac Fortica.
After visiting the lookout, head into the city center, park your car, and then you can start the walking tour of the old town.
Explore the old town of Mostar
Time needed in the old town: Without dining, approximately 1.5-2 hours. With a restaurant meal, around 3 hours.
The order of attractions is flexible. We’ll start the exploratory walk from the northeast side.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Visit the most famous mosque in Mostar. If you want, you can also climb up to the minaret for a magnificent view.
The area around the mosque and the street next to it is full of street vendors selling beautiful handmade products. If you want to take home a souvenir, this is a good place to shop.
Mostar Old Bridge
The next stop is the gem of Mostar, the Stari Most Mostar, also known as Mostar Old Bridge.
Walk across the bridge and enjoy the amazing view of the riverside.
The area around the bridge is full of fantastic viewpoints that you shouldn’t miss on your way, including:
- Mostar Old Bridge Viewpoint: Photo spot on the east side of the river, on the Kujundžiluk pedestrian street. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area with terraces offering similar views. Our only tip is to book a table in advance at these restaurants, as it’s hard to get a table during the busier periods.
- Mostar Old Bridge Photopoint: One of the most popular photo spots is located down by the riverside near the bridge. You may have questions about how to get there. In fact, you can access it from Gojka Vukovića Street, where there is a pedestrian path downward between “Stan Na Dan Mostar Apartman 2 Old Bridge view” and “Oldbridz Craft Brewery.”
To reach the area closer to the bridge, the “Beach below Stari Most,” head towards KARMA café. If you’re coming from the bridge, go to the “Tourist Info Centre” on your right, then turn left (opposite the center). After a few steps, you’ll arrive at the desired photo spot. - Lučki most: Our personal favorite photo spot is on Lučki Most, or Lučki Bridge. From the bridge, you get breathtaking views of Stari Most, the Neretva River and the surrounding mountains in the background.
Make sure you take a walk there, it’s not too far to miss.
Kriva ćuprija
While strolling around the old town, check out the Kriva ćuprija Bridge as well, a 16th century Ottoman bridge in a very picturesque setting.
Lunch in the old town
During or at the end of your walk through the old town, stop off at a local restaurant and sample some Bosnian dishes.
Along the riverside, you will find a wide range of restaurants with excellent views. Even if you’re not arriving at lunchtime, it’s still worth stopping for at least a cup of tea or coffee for the view.
Popular and well-rated restaurants are:
- URBAN taste of orient
- Restaurant Šadrvan
- Hindin Han
In the afternoon, it’s time to visit the countryside, where there is also plenty to do and see.
If you want to follow our itinerary, please make sure you leave for the countryside no later than around 2 to 3 pm.
Afternoon activities: Must-see attractions near Mostar
In the afternoon, we believe there is time for two more activities, which are as follows:
Travel to Blagaj to see the Buna Spring and Dervish House
Blagaj village is just a 20-minute drive from Mostar, making it easily manageable for an afternoon program. You can arrange parking either within the village in paid parking lots or, if you’re fortunate, drive almost to the source where you can park your car for free along the road.
Time needed: Approximately 1.5 hours
Allowing half an hour for travel and parking, plus an additional hour spent there.
Visit Kravica Waterfall
The Kravica Waterfall is a little further away, near the town of Ljubuški.
The waterfall is about a 50-minute drive from Blagaj.
On your way, if you have some spare time, take a short break at the village of Počitelj. Explore the Počitelj Fortress and the marvelous views the village has to offer.
For the best views of the fortress and the Neretva River, use Google Maps to find the area around “Londža.”
The time spent at the Kravica is difficult to estimate. Since some people just want to go to the waterfall for some photos, others want to go for a long walk, and others want to go swimming, we don’t know exactly how long each person needs to stay here. We count on an average.
Time needed: 2 hours
1 hour for driving and parking, plus time at the waterfall, which is very individual and weather dependent. If you also want to swim, plan more.
After visiting the waterfall, it will likely be evening, signaling the end of the one-day trip to Mostar and its surroundings.
Following the final activity, you still have the option of having dinner either in the area, perhaps in a nearby town, or if you’re heading back, in Mostar.
And that is the end of the one-day trip to Mostar.
As we presented in our article, Mostar and its surroundings offer a wide range of fascinating attractions for tourists. If you visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, don’t miss this stunning area, its picturesque landscapes and interesting culture.
If you have more time to explore the Balkans, you can read about many other must-visit destinations in the Balkans by clicking on the link.
In addition, we also recommend a few destinations you may want to visit.
Other top places to visit from Mostar
Dubrovnik
Cross the border into Croatia to explore the historic city of Dubrovnik. Walk along the ancient city walls, stroll through the old town, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and architecture.
Split
Take a visit to Split, which is another Croatian gem with the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, a beautiful old town, a bustling city and wonderful beaches. Don’t miss out on exploring the historic old town and the wonderful views from Marjan Forest Park.
Bay of Kotor
Kotor Bay, Montenegro, about 3 and a half hours’ drive away, is also a destination to consider if you’re looking for new destinations from Mostar.
Often referred to as the southernmost fjord in Europe, the Bay of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true highlight of the Balkans.
Within the bay, you’ll discover charming medieval towns such as Kotor and Perast.
Kotor, enclosed by well-preserved fortifications, boasts medieval architecture and a maze of narrow streets.
Perast, on the other hand, is known for its baroque buildings and the enchanting two islets: Our Lady of the Rocks and Saint George.
Consider visiting these places too, as each offers a unique experience, but all are absolutely must-visit destinations.
